OPERATIONAL REPORTS

• As of 30 June 2013, there were 52 approved continuing professional development (CPD) providers and 358 approved activities.
• The Authority approved 138 new CPD activities.
• It evaluated 40 CPD activities.
• For the year, 41.8 per cent of registered migration agents claimed more than the minimum CPD points required.

The performance standards for processing CPD activity applications are to:

The Authority’s target key performance indicator in 2012–13 was to achieve 97 per cent compliance with these standards.

The Authority processed 97.2 per cent of complete CPD applications within 42 business days and met 100 per cent of all other service standards throughout the year.

In 2012–13 the Authority continued to focus on the entry-level qualification required to register as a migration agent. With any change to the current standard, attention has been directed at the appropriate level of any prescribed course, the knowledge acquired from it and the attributes and competencies expected from the profession. Consideration has also been given to the adequacy of the current validity periods of the prescribed course and competency assessments for the purpose of registration.

In parallel with the Authority’s consideration of raising the minimum standards for entry into the profession, the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Council determined that both the graduate certificate and graduate diploma qualification types will be at level 8 in the AQF. This effectively resulted in the current entry qualification increasing from AQF level 7 to AQF level 8 since it was initially prescribed in 2006.

In line with a number of reviews, the Authority is committed to ensuring that the entry component remains relevant and sits at an appropriate level and, furthermore, that it encapsulates practical components while affording reasonable flexibility and consumer choice for future registered migration agents. A significant factor, requiring due consideration, in applying any change to the entry level policy framework is the difference between assessment of knowledge and attributes and assessment of competencies and practice readiness.

The Authority has considered responses and input received from the advisory board and key stakeholders as well as the general public in relation to the prescribed course and prescribed exam, and anticipates progressing some key recommendations in the next program year.

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CPD provides a framework for registered migration agents to maintain and improve their knowledge and professionalism on an ongoing basis. All registered migration agents are therefore required, as a component of repeat registration, to complete 10 points of CPD each year by undertaking CPD activities approved by the Authority.

In their first year of registration, registered migration agents need to complete the Practice Ready Program (PRP) unless they are in an exempt category. This is a practical program designed to equip registered migration agents in their first year of practice with the relevant skills and knowledge to practise as a migration agent. It is delivered by approved CPD providers in practice-oriented workshop-style sessions held over three to five days, and includes passing an assessment task.

As at 30 June 2013, 158 registered migration agents had been reported as completing the PRP during 2012–13. Of these, 41.1 per cent were required to undertake the program during this reporting period and 54.4 per cent completed it earlier than required. A further 2.5 per cent elected to complete the program even though they were exempted by qualification and 2 per cent did not apply for repeat registration so were not required to complete the PRP.

In their second or subsequent years of registration, most registered migration agents must complete one mandatory activity as part of their CPD requirement. Registered migration agents may select this activity from the available options, which include accounts management, business management, ethics and professional practice, and file management.

Lawyers with an Australian legal practising certificate and accountants who are full members of a professional accounting body can claim four CPD points for professional development undertaken within these professions. Registered migration agents who are also accredited specialists in immigration law are not required to undertake any further CPD in recognition of the professional development they complete to maintain their accreditation.

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The Authority approves CPD activities, factoring in how each activity will contribute to enhancing the professionalism of migration agents with regard to their knowledge, skills and ethical values.

In 2012–13, seminars remained the most popular CPD activity type, comprising 43.1 per cent of all CPD points reported. This represents a 20 per cent drop from the 2011–12 reporting period. These face-to-face activities attract one point for each 1.5 hours of training and have consistently enjoyed a high uptake rate.

Distance learning was the next most popular CPD activity type, comprising 20 per cent of all points reported—a 4 per cent increase from the previous year. Distance learning activities are available with or without a facilitator. They are of particular benefit to registered migration agents who find it difficult to attend face-to-face CPD activities due to their personal circumstances.

The most significant increase in uptake of a CPD activity type was in workshops, where participation increased from 3.9 to 16.3 per cent in 2012–13. As these activities provide interactive content and enable intensive and detailed discussion in small groups, their increasing popularity reveals a positive trend in the value registered migration agents place on their CPD.

During 2012–13, CPD activities were reported for 29 of the 52 approved organisations. Table 10 provides a summary of CPD activities approved and points reported in 2012–13.

To better identify trends and preferences in CPD it is important to clearly distinguish between organisations that are actively delivering CPD activities and those that offer pro bono work for which registered migration agents are credited CPD points. Of the 52 approved organisations through which CPD points may be acquired, 18 are providers that deliver CPD and 34 are authorised voluntary organisations offering pro bono work for which CPD points are awarded.

Table 10: Continuing professional development activities, 2012–13

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The Authority’s CPD quality assurance framework aims to ensure that the provision and delivery of CPD activities for registered migration agents remains at a high standard. Approved providers must fulfil the CPD Approved Provider Standard Conditions, including the requirement to obtain and analyse feedback from CPD activity participants regarding whether the objectives of that activity were met.

In May 2013 the Authority invited all CPD providers to submit their analysis of participant feedback from CPD activities held during the previous 12 months. Where applicable, this analysis distinguished between face-to-face activities and distance learning activities. Overall, participant feedback indicated that approximately 97 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the CPD activities they undertook during 2012–13. The relevant CPD providers detailed how this feedback affected the strategies they employ to ensure the continued quality of CPD activities.

The Authority evaluated 40 CPD activities throughout 2012–13. Each evaluation entailed giving written feedback to the relevant provider, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the high standard of approved activities. The Authority conducted reviews of four CPD providers to assess their observance of the CPD Approved Provider Standard Conditions.

As part of an ongoing process of review and evaluation of CPD, the Authority sought feedback from all registered migration agents who had completed the PRP. A survey was conducted in May and June 2013, focusing on the central components of quality, availability and delivery mode of the PRP. All feedback and other relevant considerations will contribute to reaching an informed decision on the future application of this mandatory requirement.

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Following a review of the CPD scheme and in consultation with key stakeholders, multiple changes were made to the existing CPD framework during 2012–13 to address emerging needs and provide greater flexibility for registered migration agents.

The Authority amended the mentoring framework to improve accessibility for registered migration agents seeking to design individual mentoring agreements. Under the new arrangement, mentoring agreements must demonstrate an ongoing relationship over a period of time. Mentors are required to have more than five years’ experience and a good track record as a registered migration agent. The learning outcomes of mentoring agreements must be explicitly linked to the Occupational Competency Standards for Migration Agents. A maximum of five CPD points each can be awarded to the mentor and the mentee, an increase from the two CPD points that were available for the mentor under the previous framework.

These changes to mentoring continue to acknowledge the value mentees gain by targeting the specific areas where they require development. They also enhance recognition of the experience gained by mentors in the preparation and development of a structured mentoring program to address a mentee’s learning needs. The positive contribution this initiative has made to the broader CPD framework for registered migration agents is evident from a significant increase in the number of mentoring agreements submitted to the Authority following the changes.

From March 2013 the classification of activities as either core or elective was abolished. This change gives registered migration agents more clarity on CPD requirements and makes it easier for them to select the CPD activity most suited to their developmental needs.

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In 2012–13 the Authority continued to guide registered migration agents towards meeting their professional obligations. To supplement the Ethics toolkit for registered migration agents, three new Ethics Bytes modules were made available on the Authority’s website. Ethics Bytes is an interactive online training resource designed to reinforce key elements of the ethics toolkit. Each module consists of a short video supported by a scenario-based quiz. The new modules focus on client relationships, conflict of interest or duties, and thinking about ethics. Since all four Ethics Bytes modules were made available in February 2013 they have been accessed over 500 times through the website.

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